The Olympic gold medal has eluded Brazil till this day. Despite winning a record 5 world cups, 8 Copa Americas, 4 confederation cups, they haven't been able to win gold in Olymof soccer.
So many Brazilian superstars have tried but all failed: Romario, Bebeto, Ronaldo, Robinho, Ronaldinho, Neymar, Oscar, Ganso and many others. The closest we have come are 3 silver medals and 2 bronze (since the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles)
Having said this, we probably agree that the upcoming Rio Olymics will be Brazil's best chance ever, given the home advantage and the new generation we have.
I know some of you don't care much about the Olympics since it is essentially a youth tournament. But to me it is the third most important tournament after the WC and Copa America. Ok maybe tied with the confederation cup.
Argentina, Uruguay, Spain, Italy and other soccer powers have all won gold, some more than once. Brazil, the ultimate soccer power, is still not part of this elite club.
Having said all of that and considering Brazil's attempts to win Olympic gold for 32 years now (last 8 Olympics, assuming Brazil got more serious starting in 1984) , how much off big accomplishment would it be if Neymar and co finally deliver Olympic gold for Brazil this summer? Like would it be considered one of Brazil's greatest achievements ? Or would you look at it like you would a Brazilian club winnig the Libertadores or the CWC? i.e it would be a good achievement but not historical or to be remembered for generations to come. For me, and since I am one of those biggest proponent of Brazilian giving it their all to win gold, it would instantly elevate Neymar and the ther major players of the roster to mythical status. Obviously, not as much as if they win the WC, but still quiet darn good.
For those that are not big fans of Olympic soccer and think it is not a serious tournament, I do have a question: if Olympic soccer is not that hard or serious , then how come Brazil has never been able to win it? Brazil's inability to win it has made me value it even more. And once Brazil does finally win gold, then I probably won't care as much anymore. Heck, they can start sending strictly under-23 players after that. For now, we have to take advantage of our 3 overage players.
Ashoor
So many Brazilian superstars have tried but all failed: Romario, Bebeto, Ronaldo, Robinho, Ronaldinho, Neymar, Oscar, Ganso and many others. The closest we have come are 3 silver medals and 2 bronze (since the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles)
Having said this, we probably agree that the upcoming Rio Olymics will be Brazil's best chance ever, given the home advantage and the new generation we have.
I know some of you don't care much about the Olympics since it is essentially a youth tournament. But to me it is the third most important tournament after the WC and Copa America. Ok maybe tied with the confederation cup.
Argentina, Uruguay, Spain, Italy and other soccer powers have all won gold, some more than once. Brazil, the ultimate soccer power, is still not part of this elite club.
Having said all of that and considering Brazil's attempts to win Olympic gold for 32 years now (last 8 Olympics, assuming Brazil got more serious starting in 1984) , how much off big accomplishment would it be if Neymar and co finally deliver Olympic gold for Brazil this summer? Like would it be considered one of Brazil's greatest achievements ? Or would you look at it like you would a Brazilian club winnig the Libertadores or the CWC? i.e it would be a good achievement but not historical or to be remembered for generations to come. For me, and since I am one of those biggest proponent of Brazilian giving it their all to win gold, it would instantly elevate Neymar and the ther major players of the roster to mythical status. Obviously, not as much as if they win the WC, but still quiet darn good.
For those that are not big fans of Olympic soccer and think it is not a serious tournament, I do have a question: if Olympic soccer is not that hard or serious , then how come Brazil has never been able to win it? Brazil's inability to win it has made me value it even more. And once Brazil does finally win gold, then I probably won't care as much anymore. Heck, they can start sending strictly under-23 players after that. For now, we have to take advantage of our 3 overage players.
Ashoor
